On A Sad Note...

















I couldn't let this weekend get by without mentioning this news from the FWPD.
Officer Kevin Weber, of the FWPD K-9 unit lost his battle against brain cancer and has passed away Thursday.
I never knew him, but I know people that have. I also know those that handle and become "buddies" with their four-footed partners on the streets.

"Badge" was Kevin's partner, and in some ways, people bond with animals in ways they could never explain to their human counterparts

Kevin once said a few months back:
“I have a relationship with time. I think every moment is precious.”
And so I'm positive it was.
When Weber was plagued with intense pain for a few consecutive days, Badge never left Weber’s side.
“We slept together a couple of nights,” Weber said. “He was with me when normally he was in his kennel.
He recognized it.
I had headaches, and he seemed to be getting to me and helping me more than medicine.”
FWPD Chief York adds:
“He’s made the Fort Wayne Police Department’s K-9 unit one of the most highly respected in all the Midwest.”

I'm sure Kevin will be sorely missed by the department, and I send along our condolences to his family, his friends, and to the thin blue line that protects us all 24.7.365.

Rest in peace, trooper...we have you signal *88*.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"The Final Inspection"
The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?"
The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny,That wasn't mine to keep....
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here,
Lord, It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't.....I'll understand."
There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman,
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."
((Author Unknown))